Harlan County Schools & Education
Harlan County, Nebraska
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
70/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.9%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,456
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,521
School Score
70/100
Higher = better
State avg 64/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#32
of 93 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Harlan County
School Verdict
Harlan County is a high-performing district with a school score of 70/100 and a graduation rate of 90.0%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.
Funding Context
Harlan County spends $10,456 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Harlan County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 10% above the Nebraska average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.1 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 1% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Harlan County, Nebraska
Streamlined Education Through Alma Public Schools
Harlan County operates a focused educational system consisting of two primary schools within a single school district. This consolidated approach serves a total enrollment of 359 students across the elementary and high school levels. The streamlined infrastructure ensures that all county resources remain concentrated on a unified student body.
Stellar Graduation Success in Harlan County
The county reports a 90.0% graduation rate, which is three points higher than the national average. Investment in students is steady, with per-pupil spending at $10,456, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of $10,521. A composite school score of 61.0 puts the county ahead of the state median, indicating high quality.
A Unified Community at Alma Public Schools
Alma Public Schools manages the entire county student population across its two specialized facilities. The district currently operates no charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus for all 359 enrolled students. This single-district model fosters a tight-knit community where every student is part of the same educational journey.
Small Rural Schools Offer Personal Attention
Both schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment for all children. Alma Elementary is the larger of the two with 192 students, while Alma High School serves 167 students in grades 7-12. With an average size of 180 students, these schools offer a personalized experience where teachers know every face.
A Tight-Knit Setting for Your Family
Harlan County is an ideal choice for buyers who prioritize small school sizes and high graduation rates. The unified district provides a sense of continuity that is rare in larger metropolitan areas. Consider homes near Alma to give your children the benefit of this focused, high-performing educational environment.
School Overview
Total Schools
2
in Harlan County
Total Enrollment
359
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Harlan County
ALMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2 Public Schools in Harlan County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALMA ELEMENTARY AT ALMA | ALMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | PK–6 | Primary | 192 |
| ALMA HIGH SCHOOL | ALMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS | 7–12 | High | 167 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,456
State avg $10,521
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Harlan County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Harlan County?
How much does Harlan County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Harlan County, Nebraska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Harlan County, Nebraska?
Harlan County operates a focused educational system consisting of two primary schools within a single school district. This consolidated approach serves a total enrollment of 359 students across the elementary and high school levels. The streamlined infrastructure ensures that all county resources remain concentrated on a unified student body.
How do schools in Harlan County perform academically?
The county reports a 90.0% graduation rate, which is three points higher than the national average. Investment in students is steady, with per-pupil spending at $10,456, nearly matching the Nebraska state average of $10,521. A composite school score of 61.0 puts the county ahead of the state median, indicating high quality.
What are the major school districts in Harlan County, Nebraska?
Alma Public Schools manages the entire county student population across its two specialized facilities. The district currently operates no charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus for all 359 enrolled students. This single-district model fosters a tight-knit community where every student is part of the same educational journey.
What is the school experience like in Harlan County?
Both schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment for all children. Alma Elementary is the larger of the two with 192 students, while Alma High School serves 167 students in grades 7-12. With an average size of 180 students, these schools offer a personalized experience where teachers know every face.
How can I find homes near good schools in Harlan County, Nebraska?
Harlan County is an ideal choice for buyers who prioritize small school sizes and high graduation rates. The unified district provides a sense of continuity that is rare in larger metropolitan areas. Consider homes near Alma to give your children the benefit of this focused, high-performing educational environment.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.